When it comes to the roof of your home, quality is more important than convenience. Door knocking roofers may seem like an easy option, but it’s difficult to weed out the trustworthy from the dishonest. The eagerness of those coming to your door is often paired with dishonest tactics and a lack of craftsmanship.
Your roof is not only the first line of defense against weather, but a large part of your home’s curb appeal. As such, choosing a roofer or deciding to have your roof inspected shouldn’t be trusted to just anyone. Here are best practices in dealing with door knockers.
DOUBLE CHECK REFERRALS
“We’re in the neighborhood helping a few of your neighbors.”
It’s a common line many door knocking contractors start with. The statement, intended to justify their reason for being in your neighborhood while also seemingly giving you a trusted referral, is vague and shouldn’t be taken at face value. Be sure to do your own research. Take some time to look up reviews and check with your neighbors.
Neighboring homes are often built around the same time and see the same types of damage. If your neighbors have seen severe hail damage you may have too. But don’t take the door knockers word for it. Reach out to your neighbors, see if they have actually used the vendor and if they were happy with the experience.
GETTING ON YOUR ROOF
It might seem like there’s no harm in letting someone on your roof. After all, it’s not like you are letting them in your home. Many door knocking roofers will offer to give you a free inspection of your roof, possibly right then and there. This is where the normal part of needing to give someone permission to be on your property gets a door-to-door vendor more than you realize.
Some Roofers might require you to sign a release before getting on your roof and it might sound like a good idea to limit any personal liability. However, many door knockers are trying to make a quick sale and sneak additional verbiage in to secure them future work on your roof should they find anything while they’re up there. Some, more devious vendors, will even create damage while they’re on your roof to make that work for themselves.
INSURANCE INSPECTIONS
Most people don’t have the money to replace their roof just laying around. So once the roofing professional inspects your roof and defines the damage, they’ll suggest and assist you in submitting a claim to your insurance. What most people don’t realize is that many insurance companies count submitting a claim against their policy, whether or not the claim is processed and paid. If the insurance inspector shows up and the report of the door-knocker is incorrect, over exaggerated, or worse the damage was fabricated, you could be on the hook and see a ding on your insurance premiums. The door knocker will disappear as fast as they appeared.
“Covering your deductible” is another tactic used often to close a deal but it is actually Insurance Fraud. Instead, CBR offers many financing options so your deductible can be split over comfortable monthly payments rather that a large lump sum out of your savings.
BEST PRACTICES FOR FINDING A ROOFER
Start local. Look for a company in your area, even better if you can find one recommended near you. As stated above, the houses near you are often similar in age and exposure. A local roofer is going to be well versed in repairing damage and the best products to recommend for your area. Most importantly, a local roofer has skin in the game. They need local work and are a part of the community. They care. The best recommendations will come from people close to you.
Find a roofer who will treat your home like their own. Even better, find one that will help you understand all of your options and every part of the process. When you have all the information you can make a more informed decision, which is what many door knockers count on you not to do. They want you to take their word for it. Make sure the roofer you secure is more concerned about you than their sales quota.
It’s your home. You deserve the best quality. You deserve a solid roof that will last. You deserve a roofer that will help you feel confident in your home and the work they do. Check us out. Ask around. Christian Brothers Roofing is known for our workmanship and integrity and we are here for you. If you have any questions about the health of your roof schedule a consultation with us today.
